Sales Tax Deduction: Murray Compromise Blocked by Senate Republicans

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray went to the floor of the U.S Senate to make a final attempt at brokering a bi-partisan compromise on the extension of the critical sales tax deduction before the Senate recessed through November. Murray has been working for months to pass this legislation, and her most recent attempt was blocked by Senate Republicans last Thursday.

Today, Murray offered a stand-alone one-year extension of the sales tax deduction that was based on the same bill that Senate Republicans had offered on Monday, but Senate Republicans led by Senator John Thune (R-SD) objected.

Senator Murray issued the following statement after Republican blocked her compromise bill:

"This display by Senate Republicans is partisan politics and political gamesmanship at its absolute worst.

"I reached across the aisle to bring forward a compromise bill that would help families in Washington state--and that Senate Republicans had agreed to just two nights ago--but they stood up and said no.

"I was willing to do whatever it took tonight to get this sales tax deduction extended for Washington state families, but Senate Republicans refused to put politics aside and give an inch.

"I am going to keep fighting to get this done, but I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans continue to treat this issue as an election year game when families across my home state of Washington are counting on us to get something done."

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